Recent reviews by Voluptuous Melon

I'M DOING MY PART!

WE DIVE TOGETHER OR NOT AT ALL

An Engaging and Educational Cybersecurity Game with a Disappointing Twist

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

World of Haiku is an exceptional hacking game that offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing players to delve into the world of cybersecurity. While it manages to captivate with its engaging gameplay and educational value, there is a disappointing aspect that tarnishes the overall experience.

The game does an excellent job of introducing players to the intricacies of real-world hacking. It distinguishes itself from other hacking games by focusing on teaching practical skills rather than mere entertainment. World of Haiku takes you on a journey from being a novice to feeling like a skilled hacker, as you explore file systems, pivot through servers, and crack password hashes. The initial hand-holding and comprehensive tutorial ensure that even beginners can easily grasp the game's mechanics, making it accessible to anyone interested in cybersecurity.

One of the game's standout qualities is its ability to provide a platform for aspiring cybersec professionals to gain familiarity with Linux commands and tools that are commonly used in the field. It's a commendable initiative that caters to the overlapping interests of cybersec students who are also gamers. World of Haiku serves as an excellent starting point to acquire practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

The immersive gameplay and well-crafted storyline keep players engaged throughout the campaign. The inclusion of NPCs adds depth and flavor to the narrative, making it feel more than just a series of missions. Accomplishing tasks and receiving in-game badges and achievements offer a sense of satisfaction and encourage players to continue their journey.


The absence of a proper ending adds to the list of downsides. Instead of a conclusive finale, players are left with a cliffhanger, giving the game an unfinished, Early Access-like feel. This leaves a lingering sense of incompleteness and prevents players from fully immersing themselves in the game's world.

The most significant setback, however, is the semi-hidden subscription service called "Haiku Pro." This service is not advertised, yet it locks away essential features showcased in the game's trailer. Discovering its existence requires navigating to the game's official website and locating the "Get Haiku Pro" button. It's disappointing that players must pay for a subscription to access features like Haiku Job-Connect, which provides the option to update their Linkedin profiles with mastered skills. This marketing scheme feels misleading and detracts from the otherwise enjoyable experience. It would be fairer to have transparently communicated the necessity of a separate subscription for the full package.

Despite the disappointment caused by the hidden subscription service, World of Haiku remains an engaging and educational game for cybersecurity enthusiasts. It successfully combines gameplay with practical learning, making it an appealing choice for beginners in the field. However, it falls short of delivering a complete and honest experience due to the external paywall that emerges after purchasing the game on Steam.

The game's developers are encouraged to address the concerns raised by players and consider providing clearer information about the subscription service, ensuring a more transparent and fulfilling gaming experience for all.

fun

Great game

This sparks joy! A small program with a small function but is worth every dollar.

One of the greatest games I have ever played